Laser spectroscopic characterization of the nuclear-clock isomer 229mTh

Johannes Thielking, Maxim V. Okhapkin, Przemysław Głowacki, David M. Meier, Lars Wense, Benedict Seiferle, Christoph E. Düllmann, Peter G. Thirolf and Ekkehard Peik ()
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Johannes Thielking: Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt
Maxim V. Okhapkin: Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt
Przemysław Głowacki: Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt
David M. Meier: Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt
Lars Wense: Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
Benedict Seiferle: Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
Christoph E. Düllmann: GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH
Peter G. Thirolf: Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
Ekkehard Peik: Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt

Nature, 2018, vol. 556, issue 7701, 321-325

Abstract: Abstract The isotope 229Th is the only nucleus known to possess an excited state 229mTh in the energy range of a few electronvolts—a transition energy typical for electrons in the valence shell of atoms, but about four orders of magnitude lower than typical nuclear excitation energies. Of the many applications that have been proposed for this nuclear system, which is accessible by optical methods, the most promising is a highly precise nuclear clock that outperforms existing atomic timekeepers. Here we present the laser spectroscopic investigation of the hyperfine structure of the doubly charged 229mTh ion and the determination of the fundamental nuclear properties of the isomer, namely, its magnetic dipole and electric quadrupole moments, as well as its nuclear charge radius. Following the recent direct detection of this long-sought isomer, we provide detailed insight into its nuclear structure and present a method for its non-destructive optical detection.

Keywords: Hyperfine; Nuclear Charge Radii; Isotope 232Th; Source 4U; Isomeric State (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
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DOI: 10.1038/s41586-018-0011-8

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